RNLI Amble launch both lifeboats to assist sailing ship in difficulty
On Wednesday 19th April at 7.04 pm, Volunteers from RNLI Amble launched both the all-weather lifeboat the Elizabeth and Leonard and the inshore lifeboat the Mildred Holcroft to assist sailing ship James Cook that had reported to HM Coastguard as having a fouled propeller.
The Skipper of the 21 metre 54 tonne steel-hulled ketch the James Cook reported that the vessel had got into difficulty approximately 5 miles south east of Amble harbour. Her propeller had become fouled in possibly a string of lobster traps. The vessel had 14 persons on board which included adults and young people, all of which were safe and well.
RNLI Amble volunteers on board the new Shannon class lifeboat the Elizabeth and Leonard arrived very quickly on scene and assessed the situation. They were quickly backed up by the inshore lifeboat that could have a closer inspection of the James Cook’s propeller. A rope was tightly wound around the propeller, much of which was cleared by the volunteers but it was believed that the tail end of the rope was still around the shaft of the propeller which the volunteers were unable to clear.
It was decided that the all-weather lifeboat would tow the James Cook back to the safety of Amble harbour where any necessary repairs could be carried out. On arrival at Amble harbour we assisted by our colleagues and volunteers from the Coastguard.
The James Cook is owned by the Ocean Youth Trust North, which is a charity that specialises in the development of young people and adults through the medium of sailing.
For more information, please contact Amble lifeboat station Press Officer Alan Stewart on 07919 924704 or email [email protected]
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The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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